ToTheLaneAndBack - Tottenham Fan Site

Tottenham will not stand in Timo Werner's way if he leaves in January

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Timo Werner has struggled to make an impact at Tottenham this season

Timo Werner was once one of the top forwards in German football during his first spell with RB Leipzig, but a horrid two-year stint at Chelsea set back his career. He returned to RB Leipzig back in 2022, and then joined Tottenham on a short-term loan at the start of 2024.

The 28-year-old actually enjoyed a solid start to life in north London when he initially joined Spurs on loan last January, prompting the club to extend his stay by a further year. The Lilywhites have the option to make the move permanent at the end of this season for a fee of £8.5million.

However, the new campaign has not gone as per the plan. Rarely utilized by Ange Postecoglou, Timo Werner has had to accept the role of a squad player, starting just twice in the Premier League thus far. He produced a poor display at Old Trafford in what was an otherwise fantastic performance from Ange Postecoglou’s side, who smashed 10-man Manchester United 3-0 last month.

According to German newspaper Kicker, Tottenham would not put any hindrance in the way of Werner should he decide to leave in the January transfer window. it is understood the north Londoners will let him cut short his loan spell if there is an opportunity to do so.

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In Spurs’ 4-1 win over London rivals West Ham United last weekend, the Germany international came on as a substitute for a 20-minute cameo. But even during the home side’s utter domination over the Hammers, he struggled to make an impact during his presence on the pitch.

Werner is clearly not the first-choice attacking option for Postecoglou. The likes of Son Heung-min, Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke, Wilson Odobert, Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski are well ahead of him in the pecking order. Thus, it came as a mighty surprise when Big Ange decided to hand him a start against Man United when he had the option to either use Kulusevski out wide or hand the talented Mikey Moore a go.

Nonetheless, Big Ange has continued to back the ex-Chelsea flop as our gaffer hopes he turns things around. The aforementioned report adds Spurs would not stand in Werner’s way if he thinks of leaving the club in the winter window. RB Leipzig would also sanction another loan move or a sale depending on the options they get.

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With young South Korean talent Yang Min-Hyeok set to officially join Spurs from K League 1 side Gangwon FC on January 1, 2025, it will make sense for Big Ange to nurture him rather than provide opportunities to Werner.

Maddison may find himself out of Ange's XI after West Ham game

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Tottenham Hotspur are flying after that thunderous win against West Ham at the weekend as the Lilywhites gave a performance that the supporters at White Hart Lane can be proud of and beaming about; however, one thing that everyone has been talking about beyond three points is Ange Postecoglou’s decision to sub out James Maddison at halftime.

Despite playing an important role in the first half with his assist for Dejan Kulusevski’s goal and Spurs equaliser, he was taken off by the Greek-born coach and replaced by Pape Matar Sarr as Ange Postecoglou decided to bring some stability in the middle of the park.

Maddison frustration and lack of intent could impact his Tottenham future

And football pundit Tony Cascarino insists that the England international was visibly upset with the head coach’s decision and also pointed out the fact that Maddison was disinterested in giving post-match interviews despite the thumping win, showing more signs of frustrations with the substitution move.

He also went on to suggest that Madison will be facing hurdles to secure a place in the starting eleven at White Hart Lane.

While the former Leicester City maestro is known for his creative abilities from the middle of the park, his lack of intent and grind. If he wants to play under Postecoglou, he might soon need to start adapting and being more of a dynamic presence in the midfield.

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Speaking on The Game Football Podcast, Cascarino said:

“He made a big call at half-time, Postecoglou, taking Maddison off. It felt like Maddison was in the way in midfield. I was told afterwards that Maddison wasn’t happy, the TNT people were there and they said he wasn’t happy Maddison, he just stormed, I wouldn’t say stormed, he walked past them and didn’t want to interview.

“He’s fighting for his career at Tottenham after a year really. I say his career as a first-team starter in their best XI. I’m not sure he’s convinced by Maddison’s role in the team. He’s a great footballer, technically superb, but he has to be the host A man, and he isn’t now.”

Maddison should have an opportunity to impress Ange later today when Spurs host AZ Alkmaar at White Hart Lane, as they would look to continue their European journey on a similar high.

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Do you think James Maddison is more of a liability in Spurs midfield under Ange Postecoglou’s system? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Ange Postecoglou happy with Micky van de Ven's development

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Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven has become a fan favourite at White Hart Lane

Tottenham Hotspur will return to Europa League action when they host AZ Alkmaar at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday night, looking to continue their fine form.

The north London outfit made it six wins in their last seven games with a dominant 4-1 win over cross-town rivals West Ham United at the weekend in the Premier League, while Ange Postecoglou’s side have also won both of their games in the Europa League against Qarabag and Ferencvaros. Now, Spurs will fancy their chances of beating AZ Alkmaar at home.

Ahead of the continental clash, Ange Postecoglou spoke highly about defender Micky van de Ven. The Tottenham boss said that the Dutchman is “growing all the time” following a fantastic debut season in England.

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Born in Alkmaar and having come through the young ranks in Dutch football, Micky van de Ven had joined Big Ange in the pre-match press conference on Wednesday. So, it is quite obvious for the reporters to ask the Spurs gaffer about the left-footed defender, who came through the youth ranks at Volendam before moving to Germany’s VfL Wolfsburg in 2021.

“With Micky, fair to say he developed late but very quickly,” Big Ange said in his presser (h/t Football London).

Van de Ven largely impressed across his maiden season in the Premier League following a £43million move from Wolfsburg in 2023. The Netherlands international has quickly established himself as a fan favourite at N17 for his energy, work rate, recovery pace, passion and decision-making. He has also bagged two assists against Everton and Manchester United this season, using his marauding runs from the back to great effect.

The 23-year-old is a star in the making for Tottenham. When Van de Ven was ruled out for months with a hamstring injury, Spurs suffered a lot. This just goes to show how crucial the defender is to Postecoglou’s high-pressing, aggressive and intense system.

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At 23, Spurs’ No.37 is still relatively young and far away from hitting his prime years, so it will be thrilling to watch how Van de Ven develops further under Postecoglou at our club.

Saliba claim made as Real Madrid continue to look at Romero

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Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero has been subject to links with a move away from White Hart Lane as Real Madrid look to snap his signatures in the 2025 transfer intervals. The former Atalanta defender has established himself as a key cog in Ange Postecoglou’s side, and his defensive brilliance means that the Argentine is regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the English top tier.

While this reputation has brought links with a move to Santiago Bernabeu, the Lilywhites faithful wouldn’t want to lose him in the near future, and Daniel Levy would be looking to tie down the World Cup winner to a long-term contract at N17.

High price tag could keep Romero at White Hart Lane

That being said, Romero is not the only player that Madrid are looking at, with Arsenal centre-back William Saliba also among the potential targets alongside Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck. And John Wenham, owner of the reputable Spurs podcast Lilywhite Rose, remains hopeful that Los Blancos would consider signing Gunners defender William Saliba instead of Romero, while claiming that the North Londoners would demand over £120 million for Romero.

Alongside Madrid, the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United have also expressed interest in the defender, per TyC Sports.

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Speaking in an exclusive interview with Tottenham News, Wenham said:

“If clubs want to sign Romero, he is going to cost £120million-plus. Do I see anybody paying that? No, I don’t. If Real Madrid were to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold for free, that would free up some money to look at someone else. However, I’m hopeful that they will try and sign Saliba instead of Romero.”

While Daniel Levy has his flaws, he does know how to sponge the potential suitors in his players and when to sell and when not to. This is something that Tottenham supporters would be bagging on to keep hold of Romero and Levy finds a way to keep their defensive talisman at the club for the foreseeable future.

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If an exponential offer were to arrive, would you sell Romero? Let us know your thoughts in the content below.

Pundit askes Ange to be wary about Parrott ahead of UEL clash

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Tottenham Hotspur are prepping to start another unbeaten run as the Lilywhites look to build on the win against West Ham United as they prepare for European nights when White Hart Lane hosts AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League on Thursday night.

And while Ange Postecoglou prepares his side to secure all important points for the UEL table, he faces a familiar threat in Troy Parrott, who joined AZ Alkmaar in a permanent deal in a £6.7m deal after a superb loan spell at Excelsior in the previous campaign, scoring 17 goals in 32 appearances.

And with the Dutch team visiting North London, Parrott would be keen to show us capabilities to Ange Postecoglou as he looks to build on his six goals in the ongoing season.

Spurs need to be wary of Parrott threat vs AZ Alkmaar

Speaking about the Hotspur Way academy graduate, former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson insisted that the 22-year-old could get on the scoresheets this Thursday.

In an exclusive interview with Tottenham News, Robinson said:

“I don’t think he’ll feel he has something to prove. He’s doing well in the league this year, scoring five goals in nine league games for AZ Alkmaar.

“I think he’ll be looking forward to coming back to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, knowing his team are big underdogs, but with how susceptible the Spurs defence can be, I think it’ll be an open game.

“I wouldn’t bet against him scoring. Both teams are likely to score, and Troy Parrott might pop up with a goal somewhere and get a round of applause from the home crowd if they are three or four goals up.”

Parrott is a strong boy who is ready to use his physical prowess to gain an advantage and is always looking to get shoulder to shoulder with his man, making it difficult to deal with him. Moreover, his clinical instincts could turn out to be a problem for the Lilywhites this Thursday, and Ange would have to ensure that they limit his threat.

Parrott hardly had a shot at the striker’s position at N17, especially with Harry Kane being the lynchpin of the attack for so long, and he did not uproot any trees when he did get the chance; Tottenham did the right thing by moving him on; however, they may come to regret it later this week.

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Do you think Spurs need to be wary of the Troy Parrott threat in the midweek? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Pundit claims leading country is elevating Kulusevski performances

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Tottenham Hotspur enjoyed a splendid performance at the weekend as they came on top of the London Derby against West Ham and put their Brighton woes to bed in a triumphant manner. Ange Postecoglou’s side enjoyed a 4-1 win against the Hammers as the Lilywhites supporters celebrated joyously on Saturday evening at White Hart Lane.

And in the centre of taking all three points was an exemplary performance from Dejan Kulusevski, who played a pivotal role in different faces of the game beyond netting the all-important equaliser for the hosts. The Swede international was grinding around the pitch as he showed Ange Postecoglou his inclusion in offensive as well as defensive phases of the game.

Kulusevski takes center stage in dominant Tottenham victory

The former Juventus man played on the flank as well as centrally, showing not only his versatile profile but also his rising influence in the team. And Football. London journalist Rob Guest insists that the Sweden international has grown his stature at N17 over the past few months and went on to credit the 24-year-old’s promotion into a captaincy role with Sweden as he takes on more responsibility at Hotspur Way as well.

Speaking on the Gold & Guest Podcast, Rob Guest said:

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“At the moment, he’s just running games for Tottenham. He seems to have everything right now—confidence, physical strength, and creativity. He’s just thriving from being the captain of Sweden, and you can see that it’s rubbing off on his club performances.”

Kulusevski has been showing his quality off late, and it is refreshing to see his growth and influence as he is not only contributing in goals and assists but also getting his hands dirty in crucial moments. The Swede’s ability to feature in different positions can aid Ange Postecoglou’s plans, and he can become a pivotal figure at Tottenham for years to come.

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What did you make of Kulusevski’s performance vs. West Ham? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Spurs looking at Acheampong amid Chelsea contract stalemate

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Tottenham Hotspur have been looking to compound on their transfer strategy to bring highly regarded young players who can make an impact at Hotspur Way in the long term, and while the Lilywhites have been looking to explore the European and South American markets, they have also been keeping a keen eye around the neighbourhood as they look to bring Josh Acheampong to White Hart Lane from London neighbours Chelsea.

While Acheampong has only featured twice for the West Londoners senior side, he has massive potential to make an impact owing to his high potential and bagging on his highly rated attributes. The likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid have been looking to snap his services alongside the Lilywhites.

Can Tottenham take advantage of Chelsea’s Acheampong situation?

The youngster has been tied at Stamford Bridge till 2026, and they are looking to secure a contract extension for the right-back. Due to a stalemate between both parties over common grounds for a new deal, the teenager has been informed that he will not feature for the Blues until he puts pen to paper on a new contract at the Bridge, per givemesport.

Acheampong is a right back by trade and a very highly regarded one, as he finds himself as the third option in the position at Chelsea behind Reece James and Malo Gusto.

However, this situation may help out Tottenham and other suitors as they can push to bring Acheampong in the 2025 transfer intervals. For Tottenham, bringing in Acheampong could represent a smart addition to their squad, as he could be a perfect understudy to Pedro Porro.

-> Former scout makes Premier League forward price claim amid Tottenham links

Do you think Tottenham should bring Acheampong to the N17? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Zachariah Simons leaves Tottenham after constant injury problems

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Tottenham academy talent Zachariah Simons has left the club after continuous battles with injury problems

Tottenham Hotspur have a plethora of talent at their disposal at the moment, and Daniel Levy, along with his team at the Hotspur Way, have to ensure that all of the academy kids achieve significant strides in their development.

Mikey Moore and Jamie Donley have risen through the ranks and made their first-team debuts under Ange Postecoglou. Since taking the reins at the club in 2023, Ange Postecoglou has not hesitated to give opportunities to academy kids and youngsters in the first team. However, one academy talent seems to have missed out on that opportunity.

According to Tottenham Hotspur insider Lilywhite Rose, Zachariah Simons has left the club. Taking to X to report on this subject, he claims the academy kid decided to end his time at Spurs after constant battles with long-term injuries.

Zachariah Simons stayed on during the summer to continue his rehabilitation after several lengthy injuries over the last few years. But he has now moved on to a new adventure, which is a huge shame as he could have potentially had a career at Spurs.

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Ange Postecoglou has done a fine job when it comes to nurturing young talents at the Hotspur Way. By handing first-team debuts to Moore and Donley, the Greek-Australian tactician has seemingly done enough to suggest the academy kids can fulfil their dreams of enjoying a career at Spurs, provided they work extremely hard and prove themselves on the training pitch.

Simons may have also done the same had it not been for persistent injury problems. Losing a talent like him from the academy is a blow, even though the club did everything possible to help the right-back during the challenging times of his burgeoning career.

Nonetheless, the teenager will now be hopeful of maintaining his fitness levels and steering clear of injuries to build a career elsewhere. Clubs are often sceptical to hand contracts to players who have a patchy injury record, but as Simons is only 18 and developing, we hope that isn’t the case and he gets picked up by a lower-tier club in England or abroad.

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With club insider Lilywhite Rose confirming the teenage defender has left N17, we would like to see Simons enjoy a successful and injury-free career wherever he decides to go.

Paul Robinson thinks Destiny Udogie will not be dropped against AZ Alkmaar

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Destiny Udogie’s position in the Tottenham XI vs AZ Alkmaar appears safe, feels Paul Robinson

Destiny Udogie has been a mainstay in the Tottenham Hotspur defence since Ange Postecoglou became head coach last summer.

The Italian has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most promising young full-backs. He delivered consistent performances in his debut campaign at White Hart Lane, helping Spurs clinch a Europa League spot.

However, Destiny Udogie hasn’t been at his imperious best so far this season and was at fault for West Ham United’s opener against Tottenham on Saturday. After Spurs’ 4-1 win over West Ham, Ange Postecoglou called out the Spurs left-back for his role in the West Ham goal but praised his overall performance.

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Despite the defensive concerns raised around Udogie, ex-Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson feels Ange Postecoglou will not drop the defender from his first XI for the Europa League clash against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday evening.

Udogie actually had a decent game against West Ham, barring his role in the visitors’ opening goal. It just goes on to show how a small mistake can actually overshadow a solid performance, and that’s what happened with the young left-back last weekend.

While the Italy international can be exposed defensively at times, he remains integral to how Spurs build-up play from the back and his output going forward cannot be spoken about enough. Primarily a left-back, the Verona-born talent is often seen drifting into midfield, exploiting pockets of spaces and never shying away from the ball to help his team control the game’s flow.

One must remember that Udogie is still 21 and obviously remains raw in certain aspects of the game. With time, maturity and age, he will definitely improve and iron out the deficiencies in his play. The attacking full-back still has work to do to become a full package at N17.

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As aforementioned by Robinson, we also don’t feel Big Ange will drop Udogie from his starting XI in Spurs’ crucial Europa League encounter against AZ Alkmaar. Injury or Big Ange’s plan of rotating the squad could be the reasons for his absence from the lineup in midweek.

Tottenham eyeing January loan swoop for Real Madrid's Arda Guler

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Arda Guler could be allowed to leave Real Madrid on loan in January amid Tottenham interest

Tottenham Hotspur invested heavily in young talents with high potential to bolster their squad over the summer. The only marquee acquisition of the summer transfer window was Dominic Solanke, who arrived on a club-record fee from Bournemouth.

Spurs’ change in transfer policy of signing prodigious talents under Ange Postecoglou. is starting to pay off rich dividends. There is still a long way to go before the club challenges for the Premier League but the groundwork is being laid off for a special future. Behind the scenes, the Lilywhites chiefs are already identifying new targets to strengthen the squad.

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According to an exclusive report from TBR Football, Tottenham are keeping close tabs on Real Madrid starlet Arda Guler, who has been frustrated by a lack of game time under head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The teenager, who helped Turkey reach the last eight of UEFA EURO 2024 during the summer in Germany, has not had the desired playing time at Real Madrid since he arrived from Fenerbahce in the summer of 2023. Regarded as one of the hottest talents across Europe, Arda Guler has amassed only 291 minutes across 10 games so far this season. The creative attacker’s lack of minutes in a Real Madrid shirt could influence his future away from Santiago Bernabeu.

Tottenham aren’t the only club interested in his signature. Aston Villa and Newcastle United are also actively monitoring the young Turk’s situation in the Spanish capital. He rejected several offers to leave during the past summer transfer window in favour of continuing his adventure at Madrid, but things could change due to lack of game time.

The aforementioned report adds Real Madrid view Guler as a ‘top talent’ and have no intention of letting him leave on a permanent basis. The 19-year-old is not a starter under Ancelotti and he would be only allowed to depart on loan in January if the situation does not change.

Spurs could do well with a talent like Guler in their ranks. Dejan Kulusevski’s positional tweak from a right-winger to a central midfielder leaves Brennan Johnson as the only natural wide player on the right. Having Guler would be beneficial as he’ll not only enjoy game time but also push Johnson to improve his game. Plus, the Turkish sensation can also operate as a No.10, and such flexibility will only benefit Ange Postecoglou’s side.

-> Tottenham insider blasts ‘silly’ Tottenham stars for unjust West Ham theatrics

All in all, Tottenham must do everything in its power to sign Guler if he is made available for a loan transfer by Madrid in the winter window.